Solar storage: The energy revolution transforming UK dairy farms

For UK dairy farmers, energy is not just a utility but a constant operational challenge.

With refrigeration, milking systems, water heating, and lighting running around the clock, energy demands are relentless, and the bills can be equally unforgiving.

However, recent advances in solar power and battery storage are offering farmers a reliable and cost-effective way to take control of their energy use.

Solar panels have become more efficient and affordable over the past decade, making them a practical solution even in the UK’s famously unpredictable weather.

Meanwhile, battery storage technology has transformed how renewable energy can be used, allowing farmers to store surplus energy for when it is needed most.

Together, these innovations are helping dairy farms reduce costs, gain energy independence, and stabilise operations.

How solar and battery storage benefits dairy farms

Dairy farming is one of the most energy-intensive sectors in agriculture.

With systems for milking, cooling, and lighting operating around the clock, energy costs can quickly spiral.

Solar power offers an opportunity to generate electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and shielding farms from the volatility of energy prices.

Battery storage adds another layer of practicality. Excess power generated during the day can be stored and used at night or during peak energy pricing periods.

For farms where operations are critical and downtime is not an option, batteries also provide a reliable backup during power cuts, ensuring that essential systems like refrigeration and milking stay online.

© Martin Bergsma/Shutterstock

Is solar a good investment for farmers?

Solar power is not just about reducing bills; it is also an investment.

Returns on solar PV systems can reach 20% or more, making it competitive with other forms of investment such as property improvements or traditional savings accounts.

With systems designed to last over 25 years, the long-term savings are substantial.

Many farmers reinvest these savings into their businesses, using them to upgrade equipment, expand operations, or build financial resilience.

The falling costs of battery technology mean that it is now more affordable than ever for farmers to pair storage with solar panels, maximising their savings and achieving greater control over their energy use.

Why solar is perfectly suited to UK dairy farms

A common misconception is that solar panels need direct sunlight to generate power.

In reality, modern solar panels are designed to work in daylight, not just sunlight, making them highly effective even on overcast days.

This makes solar an ideal fit for the UK, where cloudy skies are often the norm.

The typical layout of dairy farms also lends itself well to solar installations.

Barn roofs and unused land provide ample space for solar panels, and the systems can be installed with minimal disruption to daily farm operations.

Once connected, they start generating power immediately, offering farmers instant savings.

Planning ahead for energy security

Energy prices are one of the biggest variables for any farm, and they are only going one way: up.

Solar power and battery storage provide farmers with the tools to stabilise their energy costs and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

The combination of reliable solar panels and advanced battery systems ensures a steady power supply, even during grid outages or periods of peak demand.

For farmers, this means fewer unexpected costs and greater control over their energy use, something that is critical for long-term financial stability.

Why choose Warma UK for solar installations

When it comes to installing solar and battery systems, experience and expertise matter.

Warma UK has built a reputation as a trusted name in renewable energy, with years of experience delivering systems tailored to the unique needs of homes, businesses, and agricultural settings.

What sets Warma UK apart is their attention to detail and understanding of how farms operate.

They work closely with farmers to design systems that integrate seamlessly into their operations, ensuring installations are completed quickly and efficiently without disrupting the daily running of the farm.

Warma UK has recently partnered with GivEnergy, a leader in renewable energy technology, to further strengthen their offering.

By combining Warma UK’s installation expertise with GivEnergy’s cutting-edge solar panels and modular battery systems, farmers gain access to reliable, scalable and proven energy systems that meet the specific demands of dairy farming.

© Warma UK

GivEnergy: Technology designed for agriculture

GivEnergy has emerged as one of the UK’s fastest growing and most influential renewable energy technology companies, delivering cutting-edge solar and battery storage systems that power thousands of homes and businesses across the UK.

With a strong foothold in the UK market and growing international reach, GivEnergy’s reputation is built on a track record of successful projects large and small.

In October 2024, GivEnergy launched their Commercial All-In-One Battery and set a new standard for how businesses manage their solar power.

The new system combines a high-capacity lithium iron phosphate battery, a three-phase inverter, and an energy management system into one robust, plug-and-play unit.

This design not only streamlines installation but also eliminates the reliability issues often seen with systems relying on multiple, separate components.

Traditional commercial batteries often suffer from compatibility problems and costly, time-consuming setups.

GivEnergy’s all-in-one system changes that, offering an expandable capacity of 69kWh to 414kWh, ensuring it meets evolving energy needs with ease.

Its intelligent air cooling and durable construction make it more resilient in challenging environments like farms or industrial sites, where older units can suffer with temperature fluctuations, dust and other environmental factors.

The energy management system in GivEnergy’s Commercial All-in-One Battery is designed to maximise savings by storing surplus energy when demand is low and releasing it during peak times, such as when energy prices are higher.

Importantly, its ability to integrate seamlessly with commercial-scale power setups means no extra components are needed, massively simplifying installation and reducing potential points of failure.

By addressing the shortcomings of older units including complexity, unreliability, and inefficiency, GivEnergy’s system delivers a modern, scalable, and cost-effective option and represents a step-change in reliability and performance.

© GivEnergy

Grants and support for renewable energy projects

Farmers looking to invest in renewable energy can often benefit from grants and funding schemes designed to support sustainable initiatives.

However, the availability of funding varies by region and the type of project.

Defra and the NFU are key sources of information, regularly updating their guidance on funding opportunities for solar projects.

These organisations provide valuable resources to help farmers navigate the latest options and understand how to access support.

Local and regional groups may also offer tailored advice, helping you identify the best funding solutions for your specific needs.

Many of these schemes align with the government’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with financial support frequently updated to encourage investment in renewable energy projects such as solar power.

Taking the time to explore available grants and support schemes could make a significant difference to the upfront cost of installing solar and battery storage systems.

It is well worth checking what options are available to you and how they could benefit your farm.

The partnership that delivers

The collaboration between Warma UK and GivEnergy brings together two trusted names in renewable energy, creating a solution that is perfectly suited to the needs of dairy farmers.

Warma UK’s years of experience in installation ensure that systems are expertly designed and implemented, while GivEnergy’s innovative technology provides the performance and reliability that farms depend on.

Together, they offer farmers a way to cut costs, reduce energy dependency, and future-proof their operations.

With proven systems, expert support, and technology built to last, this partnership represents a practical, reliable choice for dairy farms looking to invest in their future.

A practical solution for modern dairy farming

Solar power and battery storage have evolved from being merely a “green” option to a practical and forward-thinking business decision for dairy farmers.

By tackling rising energy costs, ensuring reliability, and reducing dependence on fluctuating energy prices, they address key challenges facing the agricultural sector today.

As energy prices continue their upward climb, solar power and storage provide a way for dairy farms to regain control of their energy use and improve long-term resilience.

The partnership between Warma UK and GivEnergy brings together installation expertise and advanced, farm-ready technology, offering a solution tailored to the specific needs of agriculture.

For farmers exploring renewable energy, Warma UK provides free, no-obligation advice and customised plans for solar and battery systems.

It’s an opportunity to discover how modern energy solutions can make a meaningful difference to your farm’s operations and future stability.

To speak to Warma about solar power and battery storage, contact solar@warmauk.com

© Warma UK